New Zealand Maori Culture

The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Arriving in New Zealand around 950ad, the Māori came to New Zealand from Hawaiki (Polynesia). In 1642 a Dutch explorer named Abel Tasman arrived in New Zealand, followed by the British explorer James Cook in 1769. The early 1800's saw large numbers of British as well as American and European's start to immigrate to New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 6th of February 1840 and was the start of a partnership between the Māori and the British Crown.

Māori Today

Despite beliefs that Māori people still live in huts without the modern conveniences of today's world, this is incorrect. Māori live the same way as the rest of New Zealand's diverse population.
Many visitors to New Zealand will participate in some kind of Māori cultural experience. Often these take place at an attraction such as Mitai Māori Village, where visitors are introduced to Māori culture through song, dance and a traditional Hangi meal. In order to show respect for your hosts please observe the following rules:

Remove shoes before entering a wharenui (meeting place)

Don't take food and drink into a wharenui

During a Powhiri don't talk, laugh or make eye contact with the warriors

Māori Language

A lot of New Zealander's use Māori language in their everyday lives. Words that you are likely to hear while in New Zealand are:

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

he Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the place where Māori chiefs first signed their accord with the British Crown - the Treaty of Waitangi - Te Tiriti of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document. Explore The Treaty Grounds featuring the historic Treaty House, the magnificently carved meeting house and the world's largest ceremonial war canoe.

Mitai Māori Village

An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Māori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Enter the world of Mitai. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka), learn about the past, carving and ta moko through performance and see your Hangi meal being lifted from the ground.